Grime Upstart Dark0 Reminisces Over His Favourite Video Game Tracks

Next on Hidden Depths, we've got north London-based producer Dark0, who's been one to watch in the instrumental grime scene for quite some time now. His debut EP I Ain't A Sweetboy featured hypnotic gems such as 'PRS Riddim' and 'Scyther', while his track 'Chaos' undeniably smashes up any rave it's dropped in. Here, he delves into way back when, and, in his own words, delivers us an in-depth look at some of his favourite video game soundtracks.

Tyrian the Level - Tyrian

Composed by Alexandor Brandon

Tyrian was a space-shooter from the 90s that I had a copy of when my operating system was Windows 3.11, and you had to load games in DOS. Tyrian is probably one of the most influential soundtracks in terms of how I make my melodies and design tracks. Every single beat on this soundtrack is blue tick verified, and will certainly make you feel some type of way. It's possibly the earliest video game I can remember playing, and so had a big impact on how I build music myself, or feel how things should sound. Without growing up with the soundtrack to this game, I would have turned out to be a sure-fire wasteman.

A Chance Meeting - Threads of Fate OST

Composed by Junya Nakano

Threads of Fate was released by Squaresoft in 1999 along with a whole bunch of other releases. It was Squaresoft's busiest year in the lead up to the millennium, and many unbelievably live releases got overlooked. Granted, this game wasn't released in the UK, but I was already hooked on previous Squaresoft releases, so I managed to ship in a rebore copy from the Middle East. The levels of production throughout the game are very high, and this track in particular is teeming with melody and foresight.

Dream of the Shore Near Another World - Chrono Cross OST

Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda

Another Squaresoft title that didn't see a UK release, and has what I believe to be the greatest video game soundtrack of all time. If I could, this list would be the top 10 scores in the Chrono Cross OST, but that's too easy. The most powerful tool for music or video, in my opinion, is nostalgia. Being able to make music that can replay a mislaid memory is what separates a decent track from a legendary track. This track plays with the part of my brain that makes me remember. For those who are into parallel dimension theories, time travel and wormholes, this game is for you.

Hunter's Chance - Final Fantasy IX OST

Composed by Nobuo Uematsu

Nobuo Uematsu is a genius, and composed all the Final Fantasy series' scores. The whole soundtrack to Final Fantasy IX is very gypsy and/or Latin influenced, which is naturally so full of swagger and consequently resonates with me on a personal level. This track plays during a 'Festival of Hunt', which is basically FFIX's Notting Hill Carnival except instead of whinin' to Serani's 'No Games', you're killing beasts and winning prizes. Proper wicked music.

You Can Hear the Cry of the Planet - Final Fantasy VII OST

Composed by Nobuo Uematsu

Another from the Final Fantasy series. I don't know what it is about this track. It's so eerie and repetitive, but it's just unbelievable how you can make so many counter melodies and feelings using the same ominous, alien drone. It's like digital heroin. Nobuo is certified.

The Showdown - Sonic Spinball OST

Composed by Brian Coburn, Barry Blum and Howard Drossin

Back in the Sega Megadrive days, this game had all the bangers. When I got to this level, I'd have to put the controller down and just cut some mad shapes. I could never actually get past this level to be honest, so there wasn't much else to do.

Somnus - Final Fantasy XV

Composed by Yoko Shimomura

I saw the trailer to Final Fantasy XV back when it was called Final Fantasy Versus XIII. This track featured in it, and it's stuck with me ever since. It's got that Des'ree 'Kissing You' wave. The pain in this track is like the MSG coating on that Doritos crisp, which will keep bringing you back for more.  I'm all about my cheesy, OTT emotional game music, I can't lie. I haven't heard much else of the Final Fantasy XV soundtrack, but I hope it lives up to its predecessors sonically.

For Old Friends - Breath of Fire III OST

Composed by Akari Kaida and Yoshino Aoki

Breath of Fire III is another 10/10 Japanese role-playing game, this time with a nuts, funky jazz soundtrack. This track particularly stood out for me because it's got that 80s synth sound. 80s music is certified. The song appears at a peak point in the game, where the main character is reunited with his old best friend who has slightly lost it. It captures that moment perfectly, and shows how music so unadorned and stripped back can be so potent. It's nice to try this "less is more" thing with certain tracks.

Aquatic Ambience - Donkey Kong Country

Composed by David Wise

Are you mad? Just lie on your bed, play this and tell me you aren't actually really floating through a tropical lagoon. Are you mad?

Star Stealing Girl - Chrono Cross OST

Composed by Yasunori Mitsuda

'Star-stealing Girl' speaks to me on many, many levels and, to this day, I've never encountered a track that I have been more obsessed with from a video game. I don't even like sharing it around too much, because it's like it's "my" track. To me, it's the perfect song. I want to make something this good one day. I just haven't got enough EXP Points yet.

Dark0's Sin EP is out April 25 on Lost Codes. Visit his SoundCloud here.

Catch Dark0 b2b with Glacial Sound in Dublin, May 10.

You can follow Dark0 on Twitter here: @Dark0_LDN